G.I. Joes closed down

Few things are more fun than finding a wide open space and playing catch with someone. It was under this premise that the family and I went down to our local G.I.Joes to pick up a mitt for our daughter.

Unfortunately, the store had closed down. The sign was gone and the once item-laden store was now empty and laid bare with only support columns, bare walls, and darkness reaching back into the far recesses of the building.

It's unfortunate. That was our go-to store when we needed an outdoor item.

I recall one of the days we had a windstorm. My daughter and I drove over to pick up a soccer ball. We thought it kind of odd when we crossed under I-5 from West to East that the stoplights were all blinking red in 4-way stop mode. When we entered the parking garage, we were greeted with more confusion. The main lights were down and only the emergency lights were flashing. We pressed on, parked, and strolled up to the store.

They were having one of their numerous outdoor season ending sales. We went into the cage and looked for a soccer ball. Nothing. So we thought we'd try our luck inside.

A large bodyguard fellow greeted us and asked, "Cash or Check?" Apparently, the lack of power rendered the card readers and check out stands useless. Luckily I had my checkbook on me that day.

He ushered us into the dark store. A few calls on the 2-way radio later, a flashlight wielding employee appeared. We then had the surreal experience of being led into the back of the store where the soccer balls were held. The usually lit store was in complete darkness; merchandise loomed above us, sports equipment stuck out into the aisles menacingly, and paths briefly lit by the flashlight appeared and disappeared.

We made it to the soccer balls without incident and even managed to pick up a Nike youth model on sale. Making our way back to the light, where the employees were filling out orders on paper was a strange feeling. The darkness we had just left was soothing. The glaring lights and bustle served as a shock, a wake-up call of sorts.

My daughter was beaming. Not only did she get a ball, she went on an adventure! I certainly felt the same.

~Elmer

The mitt? The internet took care of that. But, can you put a price on a good adventure?